Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE & I) has been a hot topic for quite a few years now. Better an even hotter topic right now. Many organizations are placing a focus on diversity and Inclusion initiatives like never before, and have added the component of equity, to demonstrate their support of diversity in the workplace, and to ensure all team members feel included and equal. However, what do these terms really mean? What does diversity mean? What does true inclusion mean? There are many layers to a person’s diversity, and we all have elements of diversity to bring to the table. We all also desire to work in an environment where we feel valued, included and
equal. But just saying the words isn’t enough. With no action the words are empty.
D,E & I means nothing without transformation in culture, policies, infrastructure, and/or behaviours. In the case of diversity, equity and inclusion, actions definitely speak louder than words. We are seeing this play out in the world today with the civil unrest, and voices being heard concerning individual experiences of injustice. So how do we ensure the D, E & I are not empty and there is transformation in the work we do every day as business analysts? How do we identify the transformations needed with the way we work with others? How do we know that we are truly living out the words of diversity, equity and inclusion in our processes and interactions?
Participants will learn:
- Different dimensions of diversity
- How to embrace diversity and create an inclusive environment while working with others on the team
- How to get comfortable having uncomfortable conversations when organizational and/or environmental changes occur
- How to know how you are doing
About the Speaker
Paula Bell is the CEO of Paula A Bell Consulting, LLC. She is a Business Analyst, Leadership and Career Development coach, consultant, speaker and author with 21+ years of experience in corporate America in project roles to include business analyst, requirements manager, business initiatives manager, business process quality manager, technical writer, project manager, developer, test lead and implementation lead. Paula has experience in a variety of industries to include media, courts, manufacturing and financial. Paula has lead multiple highly-visible multi-million dollar technology and business projects to create solutions to transform businesses as either a consultant, senior business analyst or manager. Currently, she is a Business Support Manager leading a team of business process
consultants to identify processes and process improvements.
Through her 5-tier consulting business model, Paula helps individuals find their passion, build their brand, and enhance their skill sets through consultations, coaching and customizable documentation. In hopes to empower and motivate others and themselves, through a structured journey of self-reflection and awareness as a catalyst for unlimited success. Paula is a certified Business Analysis, Certified Life Purpose Coach, Certified Diversity & Inclusion Manager Coach and Forrester Customer Experience (CX) Champion.
Paula is originally from Brooklyn, NY. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Management Information Systems from Oral Roberts, University located in Tulsa, OK. Paula is currently married and resides in Iowa with her husband and twins (boy/girl). Paula is extremely active in her community as she is the Past President of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to minorities attending Iowa institutions as well as volunteers for many different community events. Paula also studies and trains martial arts and achieved her 2nd-degree black belt
designation in August of 2018.